North American J-pop concerts 2006

[nmskalmn]

Puffy AmiYumi Tour '06

Splurge! Splurge! Splurge!
Puffy AmiYumi has announced US (east coast) tour dates!!!
They'll also be playing this year's River to River Festival!!
More details to follow so keep checking back!

7/8 Theatre of Living Arts PA
7/9 9:30 Club DC
7/11 River to River Fes. NY
7/12 Avalon Ballroom MA
7/15 Vic Theatre IL
7/18 St. Andrew's Club MI
7/19 H.O.B. OH

Puffy
Puffy AmiYumi Tour '06
8-19 July 2006

The NYC show is outdoors at the World Financial Center Plaza at 7PM and it's free.

[truehappiness]

I thought he wasn't performing..

Latest AX Guests: Mana, Ishiguro (2006-06-19 19:50:31)
Malice Mizer and Moi dix Mois frontman Mana and animation director Noboru Ishiguro will attend Anime Expo as Guests of Honor. Mana is not expected to perform. [ discuss (20 posts) ]

Youzca* Join Anime Expo as Guests of Honor
anounced on 2006-06-17 23:10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOZUCA* JOIN ANIME EXPO ® 2006 AS GUESTS OF HONOR

Rino joins Yozuca’s Concert at Nation’s Largest Anime/Manga
Convention’s
15th Year Anniversary Celebration


Anaheim, California (June 16, 2006) — Famed song sirens yozuca* and
rino
join Anime Expo® 2006 as a Guests of Honor at the nations largest
Anime/Manga convention’s 15th year anniversary at the Anaheim
Convention
Center July 1-4, 2006. More information is available at
http://www.anime-expo.org .

yozuca* debuted in 2002 with the Da Capo PC game theme song Da Capo ~
Promise of the Second Button. Since her debut, yozuca* has performed
anime
theme songs for Da Capo, Girls Bravo, Girls Bravo 2nd season, UG
Ultimate
Girl, Da Capo Second Season, Tactical Lore and Girls’-High as well as
video
game theme songs such as φnaru Approach, True Tears and Da Capo II.
Her
second album nico will be released in Japan on August 2, 2006 from
Lantis.

Opening for yozuca* will be singer/song-writer rino. rino is the
vocalist
of CooRie. Debuted in 2003 with Nanaka 6/17 ending theme song Taisetsu
na
Negai, rino has performed in anime theme songs for Narue’s World, Da
Capo,
Daphne in the Brilliant Blue, Midori Days, Zettai Shounen, and
Bincho-tan.
rino is also an accomplished song writer who has written songs for
voice
actors and singers such as Yui Horie, Sakura Nogawa, Mai Nakahara and
Yukari
Tamura. CooRie’s third album Toremoro will be released on June 21,
2006
from Lantis. yozuca* and rino will be performing a concert at Anime
Expo®
2006.

yozuca* join previously announced CLAMP, Seiji Mizushima, Vic Mignogna,
Laura Bailey, Mick Takeuchi , Yutaka Izubuchi, Tomoki Kyoda,
Koge-Donbo,
Romi Paku, Hiroshi Nagahama and Atsuko Nakajima as Anime Expo® 2006
official
Guests of Honor.

Individuals can now register via online (www.anime-expo.org
) for Anime Expo® 2006.

About Anime Expo®
Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the North America’s
largest
anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the
interests
of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event
serves as
a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest
and
explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the
industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 – 4, 2006
at the
Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its
official
website (www.anime-expo.org ).


About SPJA
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a
non-profit
organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American
public
about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate
communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more
popularly known by its entertainment property – Anime Expo®. More
information can be found at its official website (www.spja.org)

[Super Ichiban]

Originally Posted by truehappiness

I thought he wasn't performing..

He isn't. He's just doing a panel.

[nmskalmn]

Originally Posted by Super Ichiban

He isn't. He's just doing a panel.

Close enough.

-----

Yoshiki
Musician
http://myspace.com/yoshiki
http://myspace.com/violetuk

Yoshiki is probably the most influential artist in Asia, if not the biggest rock icon. The fact that you may be unaware of Yoshiki or his band X-Japan stands as a testament to the invisible barriers of pop culture between East and West. Never one to adhere to convention, that situation is about to change. Born of the Tokyo underground scene, Yoshiki was drummer, pianist, songwriter, and producer of X-Japan: the band that started the explosive “visual kei” rock scene. X-Japan’s meteoric success was unstoppable, only outshone by their spectacular live shows…until tragedy struck with the death of beloved guitarist Hide in 1998.

Stunned by the loss of his friend, Yoshiki sought sanctuary from the overwhelming emotional outpour and the relentless pursuit of the Japanese press by moving to Los Angeles. He wouldn’t emerge again publicly until asked to compose a piano concerto to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Japanese Emperor’s ascension to the throne. During this period Yoshiki also composed two orchestral albums to great critical acclaim and was subsequently asked to write the theme for the 2005 World Expo. Conducted by Yoshiki, the theme was performed at the opening ceremony by a “Super World Orchestra” consisting of over 100 of the best musicians from around the globe. Consistent with his disregard for barriers and his appreciation for contrast, Yoshiki has also been responsible for producing some of the most influential bands in Japan, including Glay and Dir En Grey.

Continuing to explore and push the limits, his latest project/new obsession “Violet UK” transcends musical boundaries, blurring the edges between fashion, music, sex, technology, and underground culture -- between the avant-garde and experimental rock using female vocalists which he hand picked from thousands of contenders -- raw and melodic, love and fear.

For over a decade this masterpiece has been evolving, its attention to detail fanatical, and those chosen to participate in the project pushed incessantly to excel. The rumors are already starting to surface, and fractions of music have appeared on the internet to be avidly consumed by waiting fans. The overlord of J-Rock is preparing his media assault from the underground kingdom…

Yoshiki
Otakon 2006
4-6 August 2006
The Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

[kanariyaXX]

8-2 San Francisco , CA Virgin Megastore In-Store Performance Autograph Session

8-4 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live as part of OTAKON 2006

8-5 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live as part of OTAKON 2006

8-7 New York, NY tentatively scheduled

8-8 Boston, MA Virgin Megastore In-Store Performance Autograph Session


from http://www.tofurecords.com/artists.php?artistid=nana

[nmskalmn]

Envy
US TOUR 2006
18 August - 1 September 2006

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Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re

Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re was formed in 1999 when Mari, Yayoi and Mizue were still university students. The three began performing in clubs in Chiba prefecture and released their 1st demo CD "Hamburger Set" in 2001. In 2004 the band toured across the United States with fellow all-girl bands Bleach, Noodles, and Kokeshi Doll, including a stop at the world-famous music event, South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. In 2005 they toured extensively throughout the U.S. and their debut album, Pregnant Fantasy, was the first release from Benten Tokyo Records, the U.S. division of the famous Japanese independent record label Benten Records. They have just finished headlining the Japan Nite US tour 2006 including SXSW appearance with 5 other leading bands in Japan such as Ellegarden, PE'Z Stance Punks, and The Emeralds. Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re blend elements of punk, surf, ska, jazz, funk, and rock into their musical compositions and are currently recording their 2nd album.

Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re
Anime Weekend Atlanta 12
22-24 September 2006
Renaissance Waverly Hotel and the Cobb Galleria Centre
2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339 USA


-----

FLOW

One of the bands attracting the most attention in todays music scene is FLOW, a five-piece rock act made up of two MCs, a drummer, a bassist and a guitarist. The group can trace their activities back to 1993 when brothers KOHSHI (elder, vocals.) and TAKE (younger, guitar.) began playing together. They formed FLOW in 1998, and were eventually joined by KEIGO (vocals), GOT'S (bass) and IWASAKI (drums).

A big moment for the band came when they opened at Tug Of Rockn Roll, an outdoor festival held in Okinawa in August 2002. FLOWs creative instrumentation, and the dynamic of the two vocalists singing alternately and then together made them an instant audience favorite. Their limited-edition single quickly sold out, and the success continued as they released two mini-albums within the same year, both of which took nationwide indie charts by storm.

Okuru Kotoba, their first cover single, sold over 270,000 copies when released in January 2003. It reigned atop the Oricon indie chart for seven consecutive weeks and also hit an impressive #6 on the overall singles chart. In the spring of that year, their first full-scale album SPLASH!!! that compiled re-recorded songs from their indie era and new songs, was released by Ki/oon Records, debuting at #2. A string of smash singles and more albums followed. Several of the bands songs have been used in conjunction with anime series, including the tracks GO!!! and Re:member which were chosen as theme songs for Naruto, and also the single DAYS which was featured in Eureka Seven.

FLOW
AnimeFest 2006
1-4 September 2006
Hyatt Regency Dallas
300 Reunion Boulevard
Dallas, Texas, USA. 75207

There`s none in Pennsylvania?

[nmskalmn]

Originally Posted by Ayu_Fan_00

There`s none in Pennsylvania?

Puffy went to Philly, and some of the other touring bands stop there too. You'll have to follow the links to find all the details.

[SunshineSlayer]

A Japanese Visual Kei band called Blood will be playing in Hollywood at the Knitting Factory on Aug. 9th. My friends band lo:lita will be opening for them.

[nmskalmn]

Japanese Taiko Drum Sensation, AUN (ah-uhn)
AUN transcends borders and generations, merging Japanese traditional instruments with wholly new electronic sounds and innovative range of style.

The Japanese Taiko Twins will perform at two different clubs on two Saturday nights in August: MAKOR, NYC’s hottest spot for eclectic live music, on August 5th, and Knitting Factory, "the" destination site for cutting-edge and new music on, August 12, 2006.

AUN to Kick Off Drum’n Bass Night @MAKOR Sat. August 5
Event: AUN Kicks Off DJ Drum’n Bass Night
Date: Saturday, August 5, 2006, at 9:00 pm Tickets: $10
Place: MAKOR
35 West 67th St. (Bet. Central Park West & Columbus Ave.),
New York, NY 10023 Tel: 212-601-1000 Directions


AUN to Hit Knitting Factory on Sat. August 12
Event: AUN – The Japanese Taiko Drum Sensation
AUN / Express Fiesta Glacier / Extra Action Marching Band / Lycaon Pictus / HUMANWINE
Date: Saturday, August 12, 2006, at 8:00 pmTickets: $12
Place: KNITTING FACTORY, MAIN SPACE
74 Leonard Street (Bet. Church St. & Broadway),
New York, NY 10013 Tel: 212-219-3132
http://www.knittingfactory.com
Tickets: $12

AUN

[nmskalmn]

UNDER CODE PRODUCTION, Cure Magazine, Jhouse-Rock Ent and Oni-con, present the Japanese rock band 12012 live in concert for the first time ever in the United States. Experience the music with 12012 as they play their unique style at this year's Oni-Con. Please visit www.jhouserock.com for details and information on special events with 12012 such as VIP Seating and Backstage passes.
Events: Exact times subject to change.

Fri. 10/20 – 8:30pm – 12012 Concert

Sat. 10/21 – 1:30pm – Q&A with 12012

Sat. 10/21 – 9:00pm – 12012 Concert

Sun.10/22 – 1:30pm – Photo & Autograph Session

Tickets: Concerts, Q&A, and Autographs are free with the purchase of an Oni-con Badge. Special events and Photos with the band will be for sale at www.jhouserock.com Special events have not been decided on yet please keep checking JHouseRock’s website.

12012
Oni-Con 2006
20-22 October 2006
George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, TX 77010

[nmskalmn]

Songwriter/guitarist Higuchi Makiko is no stranger to the Japanese music scene, having toured extensively throughout Japan and other Asian countries. Anime Vegas will be Higuchi Makiko's first appearance in the U.S. Her passionate songs have created many American fans and have consistently appeared in the JapanFiles.com Top 10. Wherever she plays audiences are captivated.

Miami, is a two-girl electro pop duo from Tokyo. Since forming 3 years ago, the group has experienced a meteoric rise in the Japanese music world. Having recently played shows in the U.S, Taiwan, and Vietnam, miami is poised to become one of Japan's greatest musical exports. The members, both named Ai, play electronic violins, samplers and perform mind-- blowing Japanese pop. Miami' style is cool, cute, fresh and crazy, and nothing short of high-energy.

Samurai Delicatessen, This blues/rock band from Japan has been making a name for themselves with their eclectic sound and wild live show. Fresh off the release of their new album "DIAMOND CITY" the band has been touring relentlessly in Japan. Band members Captain Kokoa (Lead Guitar), Yuda Takeaki (Voals), Tamiya Wataru (bass) and Taichi Tanabe (drums) are ready to explode in their first-ever U.S appearance at Anime Vegas.

Higuchi Makiko
Miami
Samurai Delicatessen
Anime Vegas 2006
2-4 September 2006
Cashman Center
850 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Las Vegas, NV 89101

[Hazuki]

Skal, I have the dates for Dir en Grey in September.
I took it from http://www.warconent.com/tour.php

They just came from Toronto on Monday the 28th.

Dir en grey

Sep 1, 2006 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC
Sep 2, 2006 New York, NY @ Jones Beach
Sep 3, 2006 Hartford, CT @ New England Dogdge
Sep 5, 2006 Saratoga, NY @ SPAC
Sep 6, 2006 Cleveland, OH @ Tower
Sep 8, 2006 Pittsburgh, PA @ Post Gazette Pavillion
Sep 9, 2006 Detroit, MI @ DTE Engergy
Sep 10, 2006 Darien, NY @ Darien Lakes Pavillion
Sep 12, 2006 Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
Sep 13, 2006 Columbus, OH @ Germain Amphitheatre
Sep 15, 2006 Camden, NJ @ Tweeter Center
Sep 16, 2006 Boston, MA @ Tweeter Center
Sep 17, 2006 Washington DC @ Nissan Pavilion
Sep 19, 2006 Tampa, FL @ St. Peter Time Forum
Sep 20, 2006 West Palm Beach, FL @ Sound Advice

Please check the link I posted above for more information on the location you're going to attend, the prices, etc..

Also, when the American and Canadian tour dates for February will be up, I'll post them too :]

[nmskalmn]

Anime USA Announces MAX as Japanese Musical Guests of Honor

Anime USA is proud to announce that MAX, the acclaimed Japanese vocal group, will be attending Anime USA 2006 as the "Japanese Musical Guests of Honor". Anime USA 2006 is a 3-day anime convention held at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner Hotel in Vienna VA, from November 17 - 19, 2006. During their stay, MAX will be performing a concert on the evening of Saturday, November 18th in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton. They will sing many of their past hits as well as new songs from their ninth and latest album, Jewel of Jewels.

MAX, whose name is an acronym for "Musical Active eXperience", has been a highly popular vocal and dance group in Japan since their debut in 1995. Their current members are Nana, Lina, Reina and Aki. During the past decade, they have had many top twenty hits in the singles and album charts and have performed at many sold-out venues, including the prestigious Nihon Budokan Hall.

Their debut album, Maximum, sold over a million copies and many of their subsequent singles since that debut have sold in the 100K to 300K figures. They also performed the ending theme, "Feel So Right", for the hit television series, Captain Tsubasa: The Road To 2002. After celebrating their 10th Anniversary, they released their latest album, Jewel of Jewels, in February 2006.

MAX
Anime USA 2006
17-19 November 2006
Sheraton Premier Hotel at Tysons Corner
8661 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, Virginia 22182

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Pacific Media Expo hosts its annual Pacific Music Live concert series highlighting some of the best musicians from the Pacific Rim. Pacific Media Expo showcases Asia's most gifted performing artists as well as up-and-coming Asian American musicians.

PMX announces the United States debut of Japanese rock band UchuSentai NOIZ. UchuSentai NOIZ will perform in PMX's Pacific Music Live concert series. Also scheduled to perform are MECHANiCAL PANDA from Tokyo and local bands Dig Jelly and Random Ninjas.

UchuSentai NOIZ
UchuSentai NOIZ is the cutting edge of Japanese rock. They have toured extensively throughout Japan and released three albums and numerous maxi-singles, DVDs, videos and books. Illustrating the demand for their music and their love for entertaining, UchuSentai NOIZ is scheduled to perform live shows 32 nights straight, from Aug. 31 to Oct. 1, in the Tokyo area. EGO-style, the band's latest album, broke the top 100 on the Oricon Style music charts shortly after its release. UchuSentai NOIZ's visual kei style inspires their fans to cosplay and emulate the band's costumes. The band is composed of ANGEL-TAKA on vocals, MASATO on guitar, Kyo on bass, TAKEswiy on guitar and S@TT-ON on drums.

Fans attack!
UchuSentai NOIZ's Japanese fan club will represent at PMX!

Get on the DVD!
A Japanese film crew will be on-hand to record the UchuSentai NOIZ experience for a "Live in the U.S.A." DVD.


MECHANiCAL PANDA
MECHANiCAL PANDA is a Japanese rock band comprised of Ren (vocalist and guitar), isa (bass) and a support drummer. The band's performances throughout their home country have included a three-month stint with the "BUZZ" underground music event in Ikebukuro. MECHANiCAL PANDA's brand of punk rock has been recorded and released several Maxi-CDs. The band has hosted their own internet radio show and made numerous live appearances on Japanese television and radio.

MECHANiCAL PANDA
UchuSentai NOIZ
Pacific Media Expo 2006
28-29 October 2006
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

[nmskalmn]

Funny Stones
(J-Pop Cosplay Duo & Modeling Team)

Already popular in Japan, this Cosplay J-Pop singing duo is rapidly gaining popularity with American fans since their 2006 appearance at Katsucon 12. With their up-tempo techno sound and trademark onstage Cosplay act, which features them in different costumes throughout their performance, the cute and perky duo, consisting of Maro and Akiko, present a unique and different sound and visual show. Fun and energetic on and off stage, the Funny Stones are sure crowd pleasers!

In February 2006 the Funny Stones released their limited American debut album "Sky Clear" (originally released in Japan in 2004) which has sold nearly 5000 units in the US without being widely distributed. In Japan you can catch them performing live at Harajuku Ruido, a well known and respected Live House responsible for producing many of today's hot J-Pop stars! You can also catch the cute duo modeling for "Arms Magazine" (Japan) and as feature acts in the "Bleach The Idol" J-Pop concert DVD series in Japan. In the U.S. Funny Stones is represented by TenBu Productions.


Mai
(Costume Designer, Cosplay Idol, Dancer & J-pop Singer)

One of Japan's rising stars, Cosplay J-pop Singer, dancer, and costume designer, Mai is making her international debut here at SugoiCon!!

Breaking into the Japanese entertainment industry from behind the scenes, this up and coming J-Pop artist started out as a costume designer turned model /idol. Mai is known for her unique costume designs and intricate hair and make-up work that have become her own signature look that takes on a Gothic Fantasy motif. Recently Mai designed costumes for the 2006 Suzuka Taikyu Racing Team -one of Japan's most famous pro Racing teams, and has been featured as their premier Race Queen Idol. She is currently becoming one of Japan's top models and is rapidly breaking into the Japanese Anime scene through Cosplay and singing.

Another passion and talent of Mai's is Hip Hop dancing! Mai earned Second place in one of Japan's top Hip Hop Dancer's competition. Currently Mai is one of Japan's new breed of "Moe" idols and stars, a new cultural movement from Akihabara (Akiba), Japan, that is rapidly gaining popularity world-wide. For more info on Mai please visit www.tenbuproductions.com.

Funny Stones
Mai
SugoiCon 2006
27-29 October 2006
Holiday Inn
Cincinnati Airport Hotel
Erlanger, Kentucky


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Karma Shenjing

Karma Shenjing, a band that formed in 2002, is an indie rock band from the Kansai Area. Rairin (vocals), Ikuto (guitar, vocals, programming), Shino (guitar), and Ryu (bass) all come together to produce an Oriental-type sound reflecting an idealistic world out of sound. Their visual concept follows a Rin Ne Ten Sei theme expressing insanity and mystery, two facets of life, complementing their distinct style of music at this year's Jrock Connection.

Serafilia

Serafilia, born in 1998 has been a reflection of visual rock slowly encompassing the American rock underground. Convicting social violators with light of truth, they intend to comfort the inflicted with a long empathetic shadow. While nothing can piece back together the shattered nerves of the truly tormented, there is some solace in providing the hurt with a voice to reflect the pavement in the streets we all walk. With this in mind, Serafilia debuts...

Karma Shenjing
Serafilia
Hagakure
Mars
JRock Connection 2006
24-26 November 2006
Santa Clara Marriott
2700 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95054 USA

[nmskalmn]

New York - Tokyo Music Festival 2006


New York - Tokyo (NYT), Fujisankei Communications International (FCI) and Sharp Electronics Corporation team up to bring you the New York–Tokyo Music Festival 2006 on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park – a free, all-day, open-air music festival that will showcase the most inspired artistic talent from the East and the West.

This year’s festival focuses on artists that are currently breaking new ground in emerging musical subgenres, ranging from Turntablism to Dancehall, Hip-hop to Progressive Jazz. It will establish a cultural and creative bridge between the U.S. and Japan, centered around the universal language of music provided by HIFANA (Break Beats – 21st century Japan’s most anticipated artist), PE’Z (Samurai Jazz – Japan’s No. 1 Instrumentalists), and MIGHTY CROWN (Dancehall Reggae – 4-time world champion) from Japan, as well as DJ A-TRAK (Turntablism – Kanye West’s live DJ) and TALIB KWELI (Hip-hop – Brooklyn-bred prodigy) from the United States.

Prior to an exciting evening of music, the afternoon will feature high-energy performances by worldly B-boy groups and traditional New Age Japanese instrumentalists.

In addition, The New York–Tokyo Music Festival will concurrently be showcasing the 2006 collection of the year’s best MUSIC, GAME, and ANIME. MUSIC – we will be introducing the top music videos from Japan, showing the uniqueness of the current scene in Japan. GAME – we will be presenting our own event of EA’s “Def Jam: Fight for NY,” featuring Def Jam artists in furious battle. ANIME – we will be holding a preview of Gonzo-produced “Afro Samurai,” an animation series aired on Spike TV, starring Samuel L. Jackson and the music of RZA.

Lastly, the Festival welcomes all attendees with our one-of-a-kind exhibition. Uniqlo will be showcasing its “from Tokyo to NY” fashion in a real-size container. And of course, we won’t forget to have our Game Pavilion, featuring the pre-releases and recently released titles from each publisher, as New York – Tokyo’s monthly game event GNG celebrates its 3rd year anniversary.

By combining two varying cultures in the greatest outdoor venue in New York City, the Festival aims to highlight the influences, fascination and respect both nations have and share with each other. Festival-goers of all ages will experience first hand, a deeper appreciation of the music, dance, fine art, animation, fashion, and food of Japan and the Far East.

http://music.newyork-tokyo.com

HIFANA
PE’Z
MIGHTY CROWN
New York - Tokyo Music Festival 2006
30 September 2006, 2PM-930PM
Central Park (69th-72nd St)
New York City

[Super Ichiban]

I know that there is already a post regarding Pacific Media Expo, but another significant artist is about to be announced. This item is from the Pacific Media Expo LiveJournal Community posted by the chairman of the convention.

It looks like the negotiations are just about done. The announcement won't be made formally for another day or two, but it sounds like Avex has agreed to send Olivia Lufkin to PMX. She is the voice of Reira from Trapnest and does the theme songs for Nana.

There are some minor issues relating to tech and her rider, but I doubt if there will be any major problems. The agreements just need to be signed and executed.

www.pacificmediaexpo.com

[SunshineSlayer]

ah damn, Super Ichiban beat me. They also mention this on the PMX myspace site: http://www.myspace.com/pacificmediaexpo

I'm so going just for Olivia.

[Super Ichiban]

I sort of cheated. I work for J!-ENT so I knew about it before the news came out, but I was sworn to secrecy. When the news came out, we were told to spread the word.

[Super Ichiban]

There are some new developments.

First item, there will be a NANA cosplay contest on Saturday 10/28 at 11:00 AM. It will be one of the first events at PMX. OLIVIA will be the judge. I know some people who are entering this contest so it could be interesting to watch.

Next, as reported on the PMX myspace, ticket sales have been going very well and the show is expected to sell out. People have been buying the more expensive tickets which was unexpected because convention-goers are notoriusly cheap and poor. The concert is sheduled for 7-10 PM on 10/28. Seating begins at 6 PM. Opening acts are Dig Jelly and MECHANiCAL PANDA. It is also reported that the other musical guests of honor for PMX, UchuSentai NOIZ, will also be doing a short performance.

The OLIVIA panel is scheduled for 2-3 PM on Sunday 10/29. Go and ask her crazy questions.

Also, Avex is planning to sell OLIVIA goods. The probable list of goods are:

A) "XXX" single (approx. 100 pcs.)
B) "Wish / Starless" single (approx. 100 pcs.)
C) "The Lost Loli" album (approx. 100 pcs.)
D) Olivia t-shirts (M/F types)
E) Olivia towels
F) Olivia cell phone strap